Round 19: Bastia – Nancy Preview

This will actually be an away game for both teams as it will be played in Gueugnon (Bastia’s stadium is suspended…). Hosts were totally outplayed last round away at Montpellier. Lately Bastia aren’t finding themselves. When it looks like their defense is improving they prove the opposite by conceding 4 goals. When it looks like they are capable of opening any defense, they prove the opposite by not scoring or posing any threat. A truly difficult team to analyze with alternating results and performances. Defensive midfielder Cahuzac is still injured and in his absence it seems that Rothen can’t achieve full potential. Cahuzac out and Rothen in a bad form can spell disaster for Bastia. Lately they haven’t been inventive upfront, and the 3 usual starters: wingers Maoulida and Khazri, and Modeste upfront are in a real deadlock. With these guys being absent minded, Thauvin took the steering wheel and became their most dangerous player, but it’s almost impossible for him to achieve anything by himself. Defender Angoula got injured and will miss.

Nancy became the draw specialist in Ligue1. They could have won last round, against a 10 men Bordeaux. Instead of winning in reality, they only had visions of being winners too early in the game, and ended up losing 2 valuable points. Midfielder Sane is very impressive lately. He runs a lot, covering lots of areas. Makes useful dribbles, taking the opponents out of play, and also is very helpful for the defense. The back line looks decent enough, and the fact they conceded in most their games so far may be a bit to harsh and unfair. Upfront there’s not enough quality, as Mollo (the kind of player who’s both a play maker and a finisher) doesn’t have what it takes to make a living in Ligue1…

The game will be harsh for both sides, truly an away game for both teams. Players will fight until the dying moments and there’s a possibility that in the end the points will be split, however a bet on draw (no matter the high odds) is too risky. Especially since the score can easily change near the end, when exhaustion will play a big role. So better to leave this game alone and check the other fixtures.